Dubai welcomes 30th ITS World Congress to Steer Mobility into the Future
This September, the vibrant city of Dubai will host the 30th annual Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) World Congress, a flagship event that brings together global leaders, innovators, and policymakers in the realm of smart mobility. Running from 16-20 September, the event promises to be a melting pot of ground-breaking ideas, cutting-edge technology, and meaningful dialogue.
Organised by ERTICO in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), this year’s theme, ‘Mobility Driven by ITS’, encapsulates the forward-thinking agenda aimed at shaping the future of transportation.
With nearly 20,000 attendees expected, the event offers an eclectic mix of experiences, from enriching discussions and live technology demonstrations to technical tours and networking opportunities. The Congress is set to feature over 800 international speakers, 200 sessions, and more than 500 exhibitors. Let’s dive into what makes this year’s Congress a must-attend event.
A Programme Packed with Innovation and Insight
The 2024 edition of the ITS World Congress promises a diverse range of sessions, forums, and live demonstrations that will address the most pressing issues and advancements in transportation technology today.
The Congress Programme is structured to cover everything from high-level policy discussions to deep dives into technical aspects, making it accessible and valuable to a broad audience, from engineers to government officials.
High-Level Sessions and Forums
At the core of the event are three Plenary Sessions that will set the tone for the week. These will be complemented by eight International Forums, one dedicated Regional Forum, and a Global Forum focusing on Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and Mobility on Demand (MoD). Additionally, an exclusive Summit on the Future of Mobility will delve into upcoming trends, challenges, and the evolving landscape of transportation systems worldwide.
The technical programme is another highlight, featuring up to 40 sessions daily. Topics will range from Automated Mobility and Clean Mobility to Urban Mobility and Innovations in Logistics. This broad spectrum ensures that every participant finds something relevant, whether they are interested in policy, technology, or business applications.
Global Presence From Government to Industry
One of the key draws of the ITS World Congress is its ability to attract high-profile participants from various sectors and regions. Representatives from the UAE government, the European Commission, the US Department of Transport, and ministries across the Asia-Pacific region will be in attendance. This year’s Congress also sees active involvement from international organisations like the OECD’s International Transport Forum and Dubai Municipality.
Industry giants such as Qualcomm, Parsons, Yunex Traffic, ITS America, ITS Asia Pacific, and ITS Japan will be showcasing their latest solutions and engaging in discussions around the most recent innovations. The exhibition hall is set to be a buzzing centre of activity where companies from across the globe will present their smart mobility products, from connected vehicles and intelligent infrastructure to sustainable urban transport solutions and advanced traffic management systems.
Showcasing Future-Ready Technologies
At the heart of this event lies the exhibition space, a playground for innovators and pioneers. Attendees can explore a broad array of technologies that are transforming mobility. From the latest in vehicle connectivity to smart infrastructure solutions, the exhibition offers a front-row seat to what’s next in transport.
One of the highlights of the Congress will be the live demonstrations. Here, participants can see these innovations in action, providing a tangible experience that underscores the potential of these technologies in real-world applications. These demonstrations, coupled with exclusive technical tours, offer a practical glimpse into how these advancements can be implemented to drive smarter, more efficient transportation systems.
Networking And Building Bridges Across Borders
More than just a forum for showcasing technology, the ITS World Congress serves as a hub for international collaboration and idea exchange. A series of social events throughout the week are designed to facilitate connections, foster partnerships, and encourage the exchange of ideas. Whether during a coffee break, at a networking reception, or through a planned business meeting, participants will have ample opportunities to engage with like-minded professionals and industry leaders.
These interactions are particularly valuable in an event of this scale, where the diversity of participants ensures that conversations are enriched by perspectives from different sectors and regions. As industries converge to discuss the future of mobility, these networking opportunities often lead to collaborations that drive innovation forward.
The Significance of Dubai as a Host
Hosting the 30th ITS World Congress in Dubai is more than just a matter of geography—it’s symbolic of the city’s aspirations to be at the forefront of smart city development. Dubai has long been a leader in adopting intelligent transportation systems, from autonomous vehicles to state-of-the-art traffic management solutions. The city’s commitment to future-ready infrastructure makes it the perfect backdrop for this global gathering.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plays a crucial role in shaping this vision. Through its Smart Dubai initiatives, the city has been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in urban mobility. The Congress will highlight many of these initiatives, offering insights into how Dubai is leveraging technology to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of its transport systems.
A Glimpse into the Future
As the ITS World Congress celebrates its 30th year, it’s clear that the event has never been more relevant. With transportation technologies evolving at an unprecedented pace, the need for platforms like this Congress—where industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators can come together—has never been more critical. The discussions, technologies, and connections that emerge from this year’s event will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the future of global mobility.
From the diversity of topics covered in the sessions to the global scale of participation, the Congress offers a unique opportunity to gain a holistic understanding of where the industry is heading. Whether it’s exploring the potential of automated mobility, understanding the implications of MaaS, or delving into the logistics innovations that will drive future supply chains, the 2024 ITS World Congress in Dubai is set to be a defining moment for the industry.
The Road Ahead
The 2024 ITS World Congress is not just a celebration of 30 years of innovation in intelligent transport systems but also a forward-looking event that will set the agenda for the next decade. As the world grapples with challenges related to urbanisation, climate change, and technological disruption, smart mobility solutions are becoming increasingly vital.
This Congress, with its blend of thought leadership, technological showcases, and international cooperation, is poised to drive the conversation forward and influence the future of mobility on a global scale.
